Re: Question about Smart Tabs for Tahoe q4
I have a 2011 Q7i and don't do a lot of watersports, so I can't offer an opinion to that question but as for the prop, no change is required, just keep running the same one that works for you. Your boat will perform much better with that same prop. My boat came with the same aluminum prop. I have a Vengeance 19p for days when I am pulling someone or have a lot of folks in the boat, and it's a great all-around performer, and I also have a 21p Vengeance for cruising with just my wife and kids. I get slightly less acceleration, 1MPH additional top speed, and WOT is 400RPM less than it is with the 19p prop (4400RPM vs. 4800RPM). I have found that the question "What prop is best for my boat?" is one of the hardest questions in the history of man to answer!! Everyone has an opinion, and most are good, but it's VERY difficult to find a set in stone answer. The best advice that I have heard is to find a place that sells props that will let you try them out first, on loan, so that you can see what works best for you.
The stainless props also have the Flo-Torq system on them to help prevent drive damage if contact is made with an object. Basically, it's a plastic spindle piece that with strip out at a point of torque more than what you need to run the boat, but less than what would be needed to break gears in the motor. Theoretically, you hit something, and it strips out, sacrificing itself to save the FAR more expensive parts of your drive system. Once it strips out, you can run full speed, but you can idle back home. You would then buy a new Flo-Torq kit to replace the damaged one, at about $65, instread of $1000+ for a new Alpha drive. It's pretty clever, adn I ahve read that it works well. I keep an extra kit with me so if I break one on the water, I can limp back to my truck, get the kit, and change it out in about 5 minutes. Back on the water in a hurry!
